Rise of Eco Tourism

Ecotourism. Green travel. Eco-travel. Sustainable travel. Whatever you call it – we call it “awesome,” for more reasons than one.Maybe you want to leave Earth in better shape than you found it. Perhaps you dream of shaping the place future generations will call “home.”All reasons considered, environmental awareness has caused a rise in ecotourism. Whether you’re new to the idea of sustainable travel, love the idea ecotourism.

5 ways to get involved in ecotourism, foster a more sustainable travel experience

From transportation and accommodation choices to how travelers spend their money, many people may not consider their vacation’s potentially negative consequences for environment and local communities.That’s why sustainable tourism is starting to catch on, as more travelers become aware of those impacts and simple steps they can do to minimize them.

1) Purchase locally made souvenirs and crafts.

Choosing to buy goods produced in the locations that travelers visit rather than picking up imported souvenirs helps keep money circulating through the local economy. These items may be more expensive than imports, but purchasing them provides more direct impact.

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2) Research your accommodation and tour operator.

One of the first steps an eco-friendly traveler can take is carefully choosing where they plan to stay as well as the tour guides they’d like to show them around throughout their trip. Experts recommend looking into their practices and sustainability initiatives.

3) Opt for public transportation.

Ridesharing is a more sustainable travel option whenever possible, experts say. Using public transportation, walking or biking not only benefits the environment, but it saves travelers money.Before your journey begins, experts also recommend selecting non-stop flights whenever possible, as it uses less fuel. Green Global Travel recommends flying with airlines that are members of the International Air Transport Association, as they offer carbon offset programs to neutralize their aircraft’s emissions.

4) Minimize waste and avoid plastic.

With an estimated 91 percent of plastic going unrecycled, it’s better for the environment if travelers cut out usage of plastic altogether. Most experts recommend avoiding products wrapped in plastic to help minimize waste.Bringing along reusable water bottles and ditching the plastic water bottles also helps the environment.

5) Be respectful of wildlife.

When traveling, people are strongly discouraged to purchase souvenirs made from various animals like elephants, birds and snakes. Selling and purchasing these items are part of the illegal wildlife trade that further compromises the futures of animals whose existences are already at stake.It’s also important to avoid touching or feeding animals in the wild, experts say. Doing so might make them more reliant on people as a food source and might lead to attacks.